Claimed By My Best Friend's Alpha Daddy

Invisible

Myra's POV

The car pulled up to the Thorn mansion just after dusk. I stepped out with my suitcase, the weight of the past twenty-four hours still clinging to me like damp fog. Sophia met me at the door with open arms and a worried frown.

“You’re staying the whole month, no arguments. This is your home too.”

I hugged her tightly, breathing in her comforting scent.

“Thank you, Soph.”

She helped me carry my things up to the guest room I usually stayed in—the one down the hall from hers, with a massive window overlooking the woods. I unpacked slowly, hanging clothes in the closet, arranging my books and laptop on the antique desk.

For the first time in hours, the crushing guilt from Mom’s words eased just a fraction. Here, I could breathe. Here, I could exist without every breath being laced with accusation.

I changed into soft lounge shorts and a loose tank top, then wandered downstairs to make myself comfortable. The kitchen smelled faintly of dinner remnants. I poured a glass of water and lingered by the island, letting the quiet luxury of the house settle over me. This was going to be good. A month of relative peace, focused studying, and… proximity.

But peace didn’t last long.

Voices drifted from the main living area; deep, commanding, and a lighter, flirtatious one. I moved closer, staying in the shadows of the hallway.

David stood near the fireplace, jacket off, shirtsleeves rolled up to expose those powerful forearms. He looked every bit the Alpha billionaire: tall, broad, radiating dominance. Lila was right beside him, far too close, laughing at something he’d said. She’d changed into a fitted silk blouse that dipped low at the front and tailored pants that hugged her curves. One hand rested lightly on his arm as she gestured animatedly.

“You always did know how to command a room, Uncle David,” she purred, using the pack title that sounded anything but familial. “The way you handled those northern alphas last week? Impressive. I’d love to sit in on more of your strategy sessions while I’m here. Maybe offer a fresh perspective.”

David’s expression remained neutral, professional, but he didn’t pull away. His golden-flecked eyes met hers with mild interest. “Your experience in the northern territories could be useful, Lila. We’ll see.”

My stomach twisted sharply. She was *there*, bold and confident, touching him casually, drawing his attention like it was nothing. In just a couple of days, she’d carved out space—lingering in common areas, joining him for brief conversations, making her presence felt. Meanwhile, I was still the quiet best friend of his daughter. Invisible.